Jackson, Miss. (AP) — A suspect has been charged with arson after a fire heavily damaged the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, a historic synagogue in Mississippi. Stephen Spencer Pittman is accused of maliciously damaging the building as he confessed to authorities that he targeted it due to its Jewish ties. The fire erupted shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday, with no injuries reported among the congregants or firefighters.
Security footage shows Pittman, masked and hooded, pouring gasoline in the synagogue’s lobby before igniting the blaze. During his confession to investigators, he referred to the synagogue derogatorily and described planning the act by buying gas beforehand, removing his license plate, and breaking a window to gain entry.
Following the incident, Pittman's father reported his son's admission to the FBI, leading to an investigation that linked Pittman to the crime through recovered evidence including a torched smartphone. The fire resulted in substantial damage, particularly to the synagogue's library, with several sacred Torah scrolls affected.
Members of the Jewish community in Jackson, though few in number, have professed a strong commitment to preserving their heritage. In response to the fire, congregation president Zach Shemper expressed determination to rebuild the synagogue and highlighted the support from other local churches.
The congregation's historical significance is not lost on residents, with its rich past dating back to 1860, when it became a central hub for Jewish life in the area. The synagogue has previously withstood attacks, including a Ku Klux Klan bombing in the late 1960s due to its rabbi’s civil rights activism. The community’s resilience remains resolute as individuals come together during this trying time.
Security footage shows Pittman, masked and hooded, pouring gasoline in the synagogue’s lobby before igniting the blaze. During his confession to investigators, he referred to the synagogue derogatorily and described planning the act by buying gas beforehand, removing his license plate, and breaking a window to gain entry.
Following the incident, Pittman's father reported his son's admission to the FBI, leading to an investigation that linked Pittman to the crime through recovered evidence including a torched smartphone. The fire resulted in substantial damage, particularly to the synagogue's library, with several sacred Torah scrolls affected.
Members of the Jewish community in Jackson, though few in number, have professed a strong commitment to preserving their heritage. In response to the fire, congregation president Zach Shemper expressed determination to rebuild the synagogue and highlighted the support from other local churches.
The congregation's historical significance is not lost on residents, with its rich past dating back to 1860, when it became a central hub for Jewish life in the area. The synagogue has previously withstood attacks, including a Ku Klux Klan bombing in the late 1960s due to its rabbi’s civil rights activism. The community’s resilience remains resolute as individuals come together during this trying time.
